THE CITY OF

MURRAY

Design Guidelines

The adoption of Historic Preservation

Design Guidelines.

Drafted by

Murray Main Street Design Committee

HISTORIC PRESERVATION DESIGN GUIDELINES

Architectural Review Board

Murray, Kentucky

Adopted May, 2003

Amended June 2009

Architectural Review Board Members

Stan Henley

John Resig

Duane Bolin

Joe Pat Hutson

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Acknowledgements

II. Introduction

III. Secretary of Interior’s Standards

For Rehabilitation

IV. Definitions

V. Rehabilitation Guidelines A. Masonry

B. Siding

C. Roofs and Chimneys

D. Gutters and Downspouts

E. Windows and Shutters

F. Doors

G. Porches and Decks

H. Site Features

I. Lighting and Air Conditioning

J. Awnings

K. Storefronts

L. Signs

VI. New Construction

VII. Demolition and Relocation

I. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The following Design Guidelines were created to assist the Architectural Review

Board, as appointed by the Mayor, with their mission. The Design Guidelines would

not have been possible without the assistance of these citizens: Jo Benson, Andy

Dunn, Don Elias, Michael Jordan, Bonnie Raspberry, Mark Sallin, Mark Welch, and

Deana Wright.

II. INTRODUCTION

In late 2003, with the passage of an ordinance establishing the Murray Architectural

Review Board, the City of Murray became one of the 2000 communities across the

nation which chose to protect historic buildings through the designation of local

historic districts and landmarks.

Within the city limits of Murray are Victorian style dwellings from late nineteenth

century, the era in which the community was founded, early twentieth century

Colonial and Classical Revival style commercial buildings, and early twentieth

century neighborhoods with tree-lined streets. The Murray City Council determined

that the distinctive architecture of Murray was of vital importance to the economy and

the historic character of the community. Murray’s historic character can only be

maintained through the Architectural Review Board’s prevention of unnecessary

injury to the city’s historic districts and landmarks.

The Architectural Review Board recommends local historic districts and landmarks to

the City Council for designation. The Board also assists the owners of landmarks and

properties in local historic districts in the preservation and rehabilitation of buildings

through the review of designs for proposed exterior changes, new construction, and

demolition.

Design review is required for changes to the exterior of the building which are visible

from the street or visible from any public right of way. Examples include, but are not

limited to the following:

Re-pointing brick or stone

Cleaning brick or stone

Installing

o Mechanical equipment on the exterior of the building

o New siding

o New steps

Installing a

o New window or door

o Skylight

o Awning

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Replacing

o Windows or doors

o Roof

o Porch

Constructing a

o New building

o Room addition

o Roof dormer

o Fence

o Sign

o Parking lot

Demolishing a

o Building

o Building addition

Design Review Process

The design review process begins when a property owner proposes to make alterations to

the exterior appearance of a property within the district. Before starting work, the

property owner must obtain an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)

from the City of Murray Planning Department. All applications will be reviewed by the

City of Murray staff and Murray Main Street Manager that undertakes any exterior

alterations to a structure which are visible to the public, new construction, demolition, or

relocation of a structure affecting a landmark or a property within the historic district. If

the proposed exterior alterations meet the criteria as designated in the Design Guidelines,

city staff may issue a COA. All other applications will be referred to the Architectural

Review Board. For items deemed ordinary maintenance and repairs, staff review only

will be necessary.

The Architectural Review Board will meet once a month to review applications for

Certificate of Appropriateness.

To issue a Certificate of Appropriateness, the Architectural Review Board must

determine that the request for exterior change is compatible with the design, scale and

character of the historic district where the property is located.

The Certificate of Appropriateness with the specifications as determined by the Board is

issued to the property owner. The application for proposed work is also reviewed by the

city building inspection staff for compliance with zoning and building code regulations.

The Architectural Review Board can conduct site visits to ensure the work is being done

in compliance with the provisions described in the Certificate of Appropriateness.

Design Guidelines

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The Design Guidelines contain the criteria which the Board of Architectural Review

must consider in making design review decisions. The guidelines also provide

information regarding appropriate rehabilitation and construction for property owners

within the historic district. Through the Design Guidelines, the Board can work with

property owners to find a way to meet the property owner’s current needs and to

approve plans which are reasonable for the property owner to carry out.

The principal philosophy behind Murray’s Design Guidelines is an emphasis on

preservation over complete restoration. This outlook is reflected in the guidelines

through the use of such words as repair, retain, maintain, and protect. It is important

to repair original materials rather than to replace them; retain original landscape

features like cast iron fences and stone retaining walls; maintain the original exterior

fabric of a building to enhance the historic character; and protect the original setting

of the building to protect its integrity.

From this preservation philosophy came the following general guidelines that the

Board will apply to all rehabilitation work:

Avoid removing or altering historic material or distinctive architectural features. If

the element is original and in fairly good shape, every reasonable effort should be

made to keep it.

Repair rather than replace wherever possible. If replacing, replicate the original one

rather than trying to invent something new.

Be sensitive to distinct stylistic features and examples of skilled craftsmanship

which come from the era in which the building was constructed. It is not desirable

to make the building look older than it really is.

Uncover original design features that may be buried under layers of improvements.

It takes detective work, but there may be evidence of original elements. Research

may turn up pictures of the original appearance of a house or building.

New additions should be consistent with the original architectural style. They

should be compatible with the building and its relationship to its neighbors.

Give consideration to a later addition or alteration, even though it is not part of the

original building. An addition made at a later time may have gained significance on

its own.

Surface cleaning should be done by the least damaging means possible.

Sandblasting or the use of abrasive cleaning methods can destroy brick and shorten

the life of a building.

All guidelines set forth in this document are based on the Secretary of the Interior’s

Standards for Rehabilitation. Those individuals interested in historically

rehabilitating their property should review the Standard’s as well as the

Preservation Briefs before any work in done.

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III. THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR’S STANDARDS

FOR REHABILITATION

1. A property shall be used for it historic purpose or be placed in a new use that

requires minimal change to the defining characteristics of the building and its site

and environment.

2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal

of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a

property shall be avoided.

3. Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place and use.

Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding

conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, shall not be

undertaken.

4. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic

significance in their own right shall be retained and preserved.

5. Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of

craftsmanship that characterize a property shall be preserved.

6. Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the

severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new

feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and,

where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated

by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence.

7. Chemical or physical treatments, such as sandblasting, that cause damage to

historic materials shall not be used. The surface cleaning of structures, if

appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest means possible.

8. Significant archeological resources affected by a project shall be protected and

preserved. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures shall be

undertaken.

9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy

historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be

differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale

and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its

environment.

10. New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in

such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the

historic property and its environment would be unimpaired.

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IV. DEFINITIONS

ADDITION – New construction attached to an existing structure

ALTERATION – Any construction, replacement or change to the exterior of a

building or structure when it is visible to the public. An alteration shall include a

proposed sign or changes to an existing sign. Painting or ordinary maintenance and

repairs shall not be considered alterations.

APPROPRIATE – Meaning especially suitable, compatible, or fitting. Changes to

historic properties are evaluated for “appropriateness” during the design review

process.

APPURTENANCES – The visible, functional objects accessory to and part of

buildings.

ARCH – A curved or pointed opening in a wall, usually masonry, supported on either

end by piers or pillars and spanning a passageway or open area, such as a door or

window.

ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE – A prominent or significant part of a building,

structure or site.

ARCHITECTURAL STYLE – The characteristic form and detail of buildings of a

historic period.

BALUSTER – A spindle or post supporting the railing of a balustrade.

BALUSTRADE – An entire railing system with top rail and balusters.

BARGEBOARD – A decoratively carved board attached to the projecting edges of

the rafters under a gable roof. Also called a vergeboard.

BAY – The regular division of the façade of a building, usually defined by windows,

doors, pilasters, or other vertical elements.

BAY WINDOW – A window in a wall that projects at an angle.

BOARD – The Murray Board of Architectural Review.

BOND – The pattern in which bricks are laid to increase the strength of the wall or to

enhance the design.

BRACKET – A small carved or sawn wooden projecting element which supports a

horizontal member such as a cornice or window or door hood.

BUILDING – Any structure designed or constructed for residential, commercial,

industrial, agricultural or other use.

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CAPITAL – The upper portion of a column or pilaster.

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS – The permit, issued by the Board of

Architectural Review, which gives its approval for work or demolition to be done in a

historic district or on a landmark.

CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT – A government meeting the requirements

of the National Historic Preservation Act and the implementing of regulations of the

U.S. Department of the Interior and the Kentucky Heritage Council.

CHARACTER – The qualities and attributes of any structure, site, street, or district

which separate and distinguish the individual from its context.

CHARACTERISTIC – A quality or aspect of an element, component, structure,

site, street or district which distinguishes individual elements, structures, sites, streets

and districts from their context.

CLAPBOARD – Siding consisting of overlapping, narrow horizontal boards, usually

thicker at one edge than the other.

CLASSICAL – Pertaining to the architecture of Greece and Rome, or to the styles

inspired by this architecture.

COLUMN – A vertical support, usually supporting a member above.

COUNCIL – The Murray City Council

COMPATIBILITY – Harmony in the appearance of two or more external design

features in the same vicinity.

COMPONENT – Part of a building, site or structure, also see “elements”.

CONFIGURATION – The arrangement of elements and components on a building

or site which help to describe the character of a structure, site, street or district.

CONSERVATION – The protection and care that prevent destruction or

deterioration of historical or otherwise significant structures, buildings, or natural

resources.

CONSTRUCTION – The act of placing an addition on an existing structure or the

erection of a new principle or accessory structure on a lot or property.

CONTEMPORARY – Marked by characteristics of the current period.

Distinguished from “historic” and “imitation historic” by characteristics which

illustrate that an element, component, structure or site feature is constructed in the

present time rather than some period of the past. Structures and site features of

compatible contemporary design are recommended in the guidelines.

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CONTEXT – The setting in which a historic element, site, structure, street or district

exists.

COPING – A cap or covering to a wall, either flat or sloping, which sheds water.

CORNERBOARD – A vertical strip of wood placed at the corners of a frame

building.

CORNICE – A projecting molding at the top of a wall surface, usually found below

the eaves of a roof.

CRESTING – A decorative ridge for a roof, usually constructed of ornamental metal.

CUPOLA – A domed roof set on a circular base, often set on the ridge of a roof.

DEMOLITION – Any act that destroys in whole or in part a landmark or building in

a historic district.

DENTIL – Small square blocks closely spaced to decorate a cornice.

DESIGN GUIDELINE – A standard of appropriate activity that will preserve the

historic and architectural character of a structure or area.

DESIGNATED PROPERTY – A landmark or building or structure in a historic

district. Designated property shall include all lots within an historic district and the

entire lot containing a landmark.

DORMER – A small window with its own roof that projects from a sloping roof.

DOUBLE HUNG WINDOW – A window with two sashes, one sliding vertically

over the other.

DOWNSPOUT – A pipe which directs rain water from the roof to the ground.

EAVE – The edge of the roof that projects beyond the face of a wall.

ELEMENT – A material, part, or detail of a site, structure, street or district.

FAÇADE – The face or front elevation of a building.

HISTORIC DISTRICT – An area of architectural, historical or cultural significance

which meets one or more of the criteria contained in the Murray Zoning Ordinance

and which has been designated by the City of Murray.

“IMITATION HISTORIC” – Elements and components not of the same

architectural style or period as the existing building and create a misleading or false

historic appearance. “Imitation Historic” can also be elements or components of the

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same period or style as the building, but for which there is no documentation that

these elements ever existed on a given historic building or site.

INFILL – A type of construction which “fills in” vacancies found in sites, streets,

and districts created by earlier demolition of historic buildings. Infill describes the

insertion of new components and structures into vacancies.

LANDMARK – A building or structure of architectural, historical, cultural

significance which meets one or more of the criteria contained in the zoning

ordinance and which has been designated by the City of Murray.

LANDSCAPE – Site features including topography, transportation patterns,

vegetation, etc. A landscape may be an important historic property for

communicating contexts.

LINTEL – The horizontal top member of a window, door, or other opening.

LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT – An area, neighborhood, or place which is

identified as a historic resource significant to the area, city or county. Historic

districts are designated by the City Council through a designation process specified in

the Murray Zoning Ordinance.

LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK – A building, structure, object or site is

identified as a historic resource significant to the area, city or county. Historic

landmarks are designated by the City Council through a designation process specified

in the Murray Zoning Ordinance.

MUTTIN – The strip of wood separating the lights or panes of glass in a window.

MUST – Required or commanded by ordinance.

NEW CONSTRUCTION – An addition to an existing building or structure or the

construction of a new building or structure.

OBSCURED – Covered or hidden from view. Historic elements, sites and structures

may be obscured by new construction or public improvements in historic areas.

ORDINARY MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS – Any work, the purpose of which

is to correct deterioration or to prevent deterioration of a designated historic property.

The work shall restore the property to its appearance prior to deterioration or shall

result in the protection of its present appearance. The work shall involve the use of

the same building materials or available materials that are as close as possible to the

original. Work that changes the external appearance of a property shall be considered

an alteration for purposes of the ordinance in place.

PARAPET – A low wall that rises above a roof line, terrace, or porch.

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PEDIMENT – The triangular space forming the end of a roof in classical

architecture, or the triangular cap over a window or door.

PIER – An upright structure of masonry which serves as a principle support.

PILASTER – A square pillar attached to, but projecting from a wall. Pilasters often

resemble classical columns.

PITCH – The degree of a slope on a roof.

PLANT MATERIALS – Trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers, grass, perennials,

annuals, and bulbs.

PRESERVATION – Retaining the historic integrity of a building, site or structure

through reconstruction, restoration, rehabilitation, adaptive use or compatible design.

PROPORTION – Balanced relationship of parts of a building, landscape, structures,

or buildings to each other.

RECONSTRUCTION – Reproducing by new construction the exact form and detail

of a vanished structure, or part thereof, as it appeared at a specific period of time.

REHABILITATION – To restore a building or structure to a good condition for a

new purpose. The activity involves the retention and repair of historic elements.

REMOVAL – A relocation of a structure to another position on the same site or to

another site.

RESTORATION – To return a building, structure, or site to its original condition.

RE-USE – Use again.

RHYTHM – Relationship of solid elements to open spaces in a streetscape or a

building façade.

RIDGE – The top horizontal member of a roof where sloping surfaces meet.

RISER – The vertical face of a stair step.

ROOFSCAPE – The physical appearance of a roof: roof shapes, forms, materials,

pitch, chimneys, bays, skylights, and other roof elements.

SASH – The movable framework holding the glass in a window or door.

SCALE – Proportional relationship of the size of elements in a building to one

another and to the human figure.

SCREENING – Use of vegetation or fences to conceal an area from view.

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SETTING – The time, period, and physical environment reflected by historic

elements, sites, structures, streets and districts.

SHALL – Must or what is mandatory.

SHOULD – What is expected or suggested, but what is not mandatory.

SIDING – The exterior wall covering of a structure.

SIGNIFICANT – Having important meaning to an element, site, structure, street or

district; important in the historic context of Murray.

SILL – The horizontal water-shedding member at the bottom of a door or window

frame.

SPANDREL – The triangular space between the shoulder of an arch and the square

enclosing it.

STREETSCAPE – The distinguishing character of a particular street created by its

natural and man-made components: width, alignment, paving materials, planting, and

forms or surrounding buildings.

STRUCTURE – Anything constructed or erected, the use of the ground, including

(but without limiting the generality of the foregoing) barns, smokestacks, advertising

signs, billboards, backstops for tennis courts, bridges, fences, pergolas, gazebos, radio

and television antennae, solar collectors, microwave antennae, including the

supporting towers, roads, ruins, or remnants (including foundations), swimming pools

or walkways.

STYLE – A type of architecture distinguished by its characteristics of form and

ornamentation. A style is often related to a specific historic time period.

TERRA-COTTA – Cast and fired clay units, used ornamentally.

TRANSOM – An opening over a door or window containing a glazed or solid sash.

TREAD – The horizontal surface of a step.

TRELLIS – Lattice work as an outdoor screen, often a support for vines.

TURNED WORK – Woodwork cut on a lathe.

TURRET – A small, slender tower.

There are many phrases found in the guidelines which cannot be defined by breaking

the phrase into individual works. Instead, these phrases are described below:

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“ADJACENT & SURROUNDING” – Those properties next to and near the

property under review.

“ADVERSE IMPACT/NEGATIVE IMPACT” – Used interchangeably to describe

the result of changes in historic areas which do not reinforce the character of

individual elements, sites, structures, streets or whole districts.

“RETAINED/MAINTAINED” – Used in conjunction with one another to describe

both the keeping of an element, site, structure, street or district and the assurance of

physical repair and upkeep to those elements, sites, structures, streets and districts.

“WHEN APPROPRIATE” – Used to describe a means for the Board of Architectural

Review to determine whether a guideline permitted activity or action is correct for each

element, site, structure, street or d

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V. REHABILITATION GUIDELINES

The following specific guidelines apply to all buildings, whether residential,

commercial, or institutional.

Original architectural materials such as brick and stone, wood siding and trim, cast

and wrought iron, and sheet metal, should be repaired, restored, and reused whenever

possible. Original materials should not be removed or covered. Where necessary,

missing or deteriorated material should be replaced with appropriate recycled or new

materials that match as closely as possible to the original.

Existing architectural features that give buildings historic character, including

columns, brackets, cornices, decorative brickwork, and terra cotta, should be

preserved.

The addition of inappropriate and out of character features should be avoided.

Existing architectural elements or portions of the original features should be retained,

repaired, or replicated.

If an original detail, such as a cornice, is deteriorated beyond repair or missing, it

should be replaced with a newly designed detail sympathetic in scale, material, and

proportion to the original one. A simplified design may be used.

A. MASONRY

Masonry is one of the most durable building materials and can last for centuries.

Brick, stone, terra cotta, stucco, concrete and mortar are all examples of masonry.

Masonry is used primarily for wall surfaces, but is also used for cornices, pediments,

and window lintels or sills. The color, texture and patterns of the masonry and mortar

joints help define the historic character of a building.

Cleaning

Cleaning masonry should be done by the least damaging method available. The use

of detergents and steam cleaners is preferred to the use of chemicals. Chemical

cleaning should be used only after it has been determined that cleaning is necessary.

Sandblasting, high-pressure water blasting or other abrasive methods are not

acceptable methods for cleaning, because they destroy brick and shorten the life of

buildings. Removal of damaged or deteriorated paint by hand scraping and/or use of

a bristle brush is recommended.

Sealants

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A water repellant coating should not be used unless there is actual water penetration

through the masonry itself. Other possible problems such as faulty or missing mortar,

poorly functioning gutters and downspouts, or rising groundwater must be

investigated first.

If water is penetrating through the masonry to interior surfaces, then only the affected

area should be treated, and only after the masonry has been allowed to dry. Painting

is a more permanent solution and provides a good measure of waterproofing to

masonry walls.

Painting is recommended for buildings in the Historic Districts that have been

previously painted. Painting of masonry walls that have never been painted is

discouraged. Masonry walls may be painted if extensive repairs have created a

patchwork of masonry surfaces and mismatched mortar.

Tuck Pointing

Older, softer bricks require a softer mortar than new bricks. Tuck pointing should be

done with a soft mortar, simulating the old lime and sand mortars in appearance and

composition. A mixture consisting of one part white masonry cement, two parts lime,

and seven to nine parts of the smallest available mesh sand (to match the original

sand) is recommended. The use of this mixture will insure that during periods of

freezing and thawing, the expansion and contraction characteristics of the brick and

mortar will be nearly the same. If a hard, modern mortar with a high Portland cement

content is used, the softer bricks may suffer irreparable damage during freeze/thaw

periods. The use of Portland cement may be acceptable for some buildings

constructed in the early twentieth century if the original mortar is Portland cement.

Flexible Mortar (lime)

NormalHot(Bricks expand)

Cold(Bricks contract)

Mortar compresses Mortar flexes

Inflexible Mortar (Cement)

Spalling Cracks open up

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The original type of joint should be matched by the new tuck pointing. In general, the

mortar joint should be concave, because it is the best way to bond the mortar to the

brick.

The new mortar should be tinted to match the color of the original mortar as closely

as possible.

Joint Types

If the brick itself needs to be replaced, the new brickwork should match the original

brick in color, texture, profile and bond. Brick bonds should not be mixed.

Brick Bonds

Foundation Walls

The original brick and stone foundation walls should not be altered or concealed. It is

inappropriate to cover a foundation with a new stone or brick veneer, rolled asphalt,

or stamped metal screen.

B. SIDING

Wood is a common building material used for structural framing and protective

siding. Since wood can be easily shaped by sawing, planning, and carving, it is also

used for a broad range of decorative elements such as cornices, brackets, shutters,

columns, porches, doors and windows. For the purposes of these guidelines, siding

shall refer to all wood siding, shingles, decorative wooden elements and framing.

Wood Siding

Complete removal of wood siding should not be done unless the original siding has

deteriorated beyond repair. Removal shall be kept to a minimum.

Flush Concave Raked “V” Shaped Struck Flush & Rodded Beaded

Running Bond Common Bond Flemish Bond English Bond

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Wood clapboard siding should be used as the repair or replacement material on the

facades of wood frame buildings. The new wood or similarly looking hardi-board

siding should be of the same material, profile, and design as the original siding.

Artificial stone, asbestos, asphalt shingles, and other modern replacement materials

should not be used to conceal the original wood siding.

Siding should not be used to cover or replace masonry.

Artificial Siding

These design guidelines discourage the use of artificial siding for the following

reasons:

It rarely duplicates the appearance of original siding;

Aluminum or vinyl siding over wood can trap moisture causing the wood to

deteriorate;

The insulation value of artificial siding is much lower than that of wood and will

not contribute significantly to the overall warmth of the house;

Aluminum and vinyl siding must be removed and replaced since it cannot be

repaired;

Colored artificial siding eventually fades and mildews;

Vinyl siding has a much lower melting and flash point than wood and can be

hazardous.

In some circumstances the use of artificial siding may be permitted. When artificial

siding is permitted, the following conditions must be met:

All masonry must remain uncovered;

The width of artificial siding must have approximately the same width and shape

as the original, and generally should be 4” to 6” wide;

Frieze and soffit boards must be covered in the same width as the existing;

All detailing which is not flush with the siding or surface must bear the same

proportion after coverage as before coverage;

All decorative porch posts, railings, brackets, cornices, and cornice trim must

remain uncovered;

All exterior façade shingles shall remain and must not be covered or altered;

All artificial siding shall run in the same direction as the original siding, which is

generally horizontal;

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Artificial siding shall not be installed over rotted wood: all original siding, trim

and fascia, and shall be repaired;

All artificial siding shall be the original color of the building, if possible; and

Corner boards for artificial siding should be the same size as the existing corner

boards;

All new window and door trim should be the same width as the original trim;

Architectural features such as cornices, brackets, window sills, and lintels should

not be removed or obscured when the resurfacing material is applied;

Existing shutters consistent with the style of the building should be returned to

their original location after the artificial siding is applied;

C. ROOFS AND CHIMNEYS

Roofs

The original roof form and pitch should be preserved on primary or readily visible

facades.

Original dormers and their decorative elements should be preserved and maintained.

Original roofs should not be raised to allow for additional stories.

Changing the original roof shape or adding features inappropriate to the essential

character of the roof, such as oversized dormer windows or gables, is discouraged.

Skylights, appropriate dormers, roof decks and roof gardens may be added to rear

roof slopes if they are not readily visible from the street. Flush or flat skylights are

preferred over raised or bubble lights.

Whenever possible, the original scale and texture of roofing materials should be

retained. New roofing should be appropriate to the style and period of the building

and neighborhood, and should match the old in composition, size, shape and texture.

Preserve or replace, where necessary, all architectural features that give the roof its

essential character, such as dormer windows, cupolas, cornices, brackets, fishscale

shingles, dentils, fascia, eave trim, bargeboards, coping, chimneys, cresting, and

weather vanes.

Architectural details that will change the character of the roof shape are discouraged.

Television antennae, satellite dishes or similar items and mechanical equipment such

as air conditioning units should be placed in an inconspicuous location where they

will not detract from the character of the building.

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Chimneys

Masonry chimneys should not be removed.

Preserve and maintain original chimneys.

The repair and repointing of brick chimneys should be done with brick and mortar

that match the original or are compatible with the rest of the structure.

D. GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS

Concealed or box gutters should be preserved and repaired whenever possible. If box

gutters cannot be repaired, they should be sealed and covered to match the existing

roof and replaced with hanging gutters as necessary.

Exposed gutters and downspouts, unless made of copper, should be painted the same

color as the house or trim. To prevent the paint from flaking and peeling within a

short period of time, new metal gutters or downspouts should be coated with a steel

primer before applying the finish coats of paint.

Where hanging gutters are appropriate, they should be preserved and repaired

whenever possible before replaced. Any new materials or design must have Board

approval.

E. WINDOWS AND SHUTTERS

Windows

The original pattern of window

openings and their shape and

configuration should not be

altered.

New window openings should

not be added to the primary

façade or readily visible

secondary facades.

Fixed windows, picture

windows, and modern metal

windows should not be added on

primary or readily visible

secondary facades.

Chair rail or dado

Timber sill

Bottom rail

Pocket piece

weight

Weight box

Glazing bar

Sash stile

Staff bead

Horn

Parting beadShutter panel

Shutter leaf or back flap

ShutterSash cord

Top rail

Meeting rail, bottom sash

Headpiece

Meeting rail, catch

Meeting rail, top sash

Pulley stile

Pulley

Outer liningInner lining

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Original windows should be maintained and repaired with matching materials.

Maintenance includes cleaning, limited paint removal and the reapplication of

protective coatings. Original sashes and frames should be repaired versus

replacement.

Original windows should be replaced only if there has been demonstrable

deterioration. When replacement windows are used, they should match the original in

size, shape and design.

Closing up, enlarging, or reducing the existing window openings should not be

allowed.

Windows of a style or era different from the house should not be used.

New storm windows should be made of wood or anodized aluminum and be painted

appropriate colors to match the surroundings. Storm windows should use the same

size divisions as the windows. Interior storm windows are an appropriate option. If

interior storm windows are chosen they should be installed withair-tight gaskets,

ventilating holes and/or removable clips, to ensure proper maintenance and to avoid

condensation damage to the windows.

When divided lights are appropriate, true divided lights should be used. Snap-in

muttins or grids in between panes of glass that give a false appearance of multi-pane

sash should not be used.

Shutters

Original wood shutters should be retained or repaired whenever possible.

New shutters should match the old in materials, composition, size, shape, color and

texture.

Shutters that detract from the character and appearance of the building should not be

installed. Shutters should be big enough to cover the entire window when closed, and

should not overlap when open.

Shutters should not be added to window openings that never had them.

INAPPROPRIATE SHUTTERS

Shutters do not cover entire window when closedShutters to small18

F. DOORS

Doors are also one of the distinctive features of a building. Whenever possible, the

building’s original doors, trim, and hardware should be retained and repaired.

Replacement of original doors should only be done in case of significant

deterioration.

If a new door is required, the size, proportion, shape and

number of panels of the original door should be duplicated

as closely as possible. New doors should have materials

and hardware which match the original.

Door openings should not be reduced, enlarged, or filled in,

especially on facades facing the street.

Original transoms should be retained.

It is acceptable to replace an original door on a primary

façade with an original door from a rear or secondary

façade if it matches the original door in size, proportion and

shape.

The use of screen, security, or storm doors on primary entrances is acceptable and

appropriate as long as the design allows for visibility of the original door. Screen

doors with wood framing members and large screened areas are most appropriate.

Storm doors should be of wood or anodized aluminum and painted colors appropriate

to the surroundings.

G. PORCHES AND DECKS

An original porch should not be removed from its original location. The removal of a

porch from its original location on a house is inappropriate and results in the loss of

the building’s integrity.

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Porches and additions reflecting later architectural styles are often important to the

building’s historical integrity and should be retained.

Original porch elements such as columns, floors, and rails should not be removed or

concealed.

Porch elements that have become deteriorated should be repaired rather than replaced.

When the severity of deterioration requires replacement, the new element should

match the original in design, color, texture, and where possible, materials.

Original wood floors should not be replaced with concrete.

Porches located on primary facades should not be enclosed to create interior living

space. Porches on secondary façades may be enclosed with screen or glass set behind

the original columns.

Porch reconstruction may be allowed, if there is architectural or documented

historical evidence that supports the previous existence of a porch. The detailing of

the elements of the reconstructed porch, including roof, posts, railings, and trim,

should be compatible with the existing building.

Porches and decks may be added to the rear facades as long as they are not easily

visible from the street.

H. SITE FEATURES

Landscaping

Whenever possible, existing walkways

or garden ornaments from the period

of the house should be retained or

repaired. Landscaping compatible

with the architecture is encouraged.

Plantings and garden elements not

compatible with the historic landscape

patterns of the neighborhood should

not be placed in the front or readily

visible side yards.

Ground Surfaces

Ground surfaces such as paving, ground cover planting, terraces, etc., should be

compatible with the existing adjacent sites, existing site conditions and the historic

character of the building.

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The use of ground surfaces that vary significantly from the surrounding conditions,

that do not fit the site configuration, or that detract from the character of the building

is discouraged. In Murray’s residential districts, lawns are encouraged whenever

possible. Front yards that have extensive areas of paving and walks with little grass

or groundcover should be avoided, especially where the surrounding sites have large

areas of grass or groundcover.

Tree Plantings

In may instances, large trees on private property along the streets and sidewalks

contribute to the “avenue” effect of streets in the local historic district. The

continuation of this precedent is encouraged. Periodic maintenance should be carried

out to insure the property height and appearance of the landscaping.

Retain and protect mature shade trees. If a mature tree must be removed, the stump

should be cut at ground level and removed.

Fences/Walls

Preserve and maintain historic fence and/or wall materials and design. New retaining

walls should be of brick or stone.

Chain link fences are discouraged in visible locations. Split rail and stockade fences

should not be used. Concrete or concrete block walls are discouraged.

Incompatible walls and fences should be removed where possible.

Fire Escapes

No approval is required for repair of existing structure.

The addition of a fire escape structure to a historical building may be necessary to

meet safety codes. All newly constructed fire escapes visible from the street must

have board approval.

I. LIGHTING AND AIR CONDITIONING UNITS

Lighting

Exterior lighting should be compatible with the overall design of the building.

Lighting fixtures should be selected that are compatible with the existing style, scale

and design of the original building and character of the surrounding area.

Imitation historic lighting fixtures that are not authentic in their design should be

avoided. Harsh and colored light sources should be avoided. Lighting fixtures and

levels of light should not detract from the building and it surroundings.

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The use of lighting contemporary to the period of the neighborhood is encouraged.

Authentic re-creations and restored lighting fixtures are also encouraged.

HVAC and Air Conditioning Units

The installation of window air conditioning units should not result in the removal or

replacement of original window sash or the alteration of the original window sash or

surrounds.

Exterior HVAC units should be installed at the rear facades or non-visible areas of

secondary facades.

All readily visible exterior HVAC units that are located at grade should be screened

with wood or brick fencing and/or landscaping.

J. AWNINGS

Existing canvas awnings should be retained and repaired whenever possible.

Canvas is an appropriate awning material for pre-1940 residences and may be used on

primary and visible secondary facades. Awnings may be canvas, vinyl coated canvas

or acrilan.

Although installation of canvas canopies and awnings is encouraged on both

commercial and residential buildings, they should not obscure significant

architectural features or require their removal. Awnings should be approximately 7’-

0” above the sidewalk. Projection should be 4’ to 7’ from the building. A maximum

12” valance flap is usually attached to the awning bar and can serve as a sign panel.

The awning shape should be a standard shed form and should compliment the

building proportion, style and scale. Awnings should not be illuminated.

The application of metal awnings, vinyl awnings, and other similar materials is

discouraged.

This figure illustrates an inappropriate awning. The awning

spans from building edge to building edge exceeding the size

of the original window. Additionally, the awning does not have a valance, the entire awning is rigid/fixed and it is a

bubble style awning.

This figure illustrates more appropriate awnings that fit the original window openings and does not obscure view of the architectural features.

The lower awning is at a 30-45 degree angle, and has a 6-8” loose

valance, and the lower edge of the awning is 7 feet above the ground. The upper awnings have a 45 degree angle, fit the opening width of the

window and extends the half way point of the opening height. 22

K. STOREFRONTS

The traditional storefronts of Murray’s

downtown share the same basic

components although the size, shape,

style, materials, and details may vary

according to the era in which the building

was completed.

Traditionally, commercial buildings have a

well-defined opening which is usually

exclusively confined to the first floor of

the building. Storefronts should not be

enlarged to encompass additional floors,

unless it can be determined that it was the

original design of the building.

Piers or columns that divide the storefront

into bays, and lintels or cornices that

separate the storefront from the upper

floors should not be covered or removed.

Windows should not be filled in and the existing sill heights should be maintained.

Original transoms, window configurations, and ornamentation should be retained and

repaired whenever possible, or replaced with similar materials as needed. Where no

original materials or detailing remains, new work should be compatible with the

original character of the building.

Storefronts should be located in the plane of the front façade. Storefronts which have

major projections beyond the front façade of the building are not appropriate and

should be avoided.

Storefronts that are not original but have their own unique or historic character or

design should be retained and repaired.

In the event the original storefront has been removed or irreparably damaged, a new

front consistent with the architectural style of the overall structure ad surrounding

buildings should be constructed.

When designing the new storefronts, scale, materials, proportion, color and number

and size of window openings, should be considered.

Inappropriate historical facades should also be avoided. For example, detailing such

as coach lanterns, colonial doors, storefront shutters, and small window panes should

be avoided on commercial buildings from the Victorian era.

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Materials and design elements, such as mansard roofs with wooden shingles, rough

textured wood siding, fake bricks, or stone, are not appropriate materials for

commercial storefronts and should be avoided.

Storefront glass should be clear. Mirrored glass should not be used.

Appropriate materials should be selected to repair and replace storefronts. Materials

such as vinyl and aluminum siding are not appropriate. Where aluminum window

frames are used to replace those that were originally wood, the exterior frames should

be anodized aluminum and painted to complement the surroundings.

The proportions of the elements of the storefront should be appropriate to the overall

design of the building as well as the original storefront. Proportions of the storefront

cornice, the window elements and door openings are all important considerations, and

these individual elements were often constructed of similar proportions. Alterations

to the original architecture should not be made to “improve” the original design of the

building.

Storefronts should not be placed on buildings or portions of buildings that were not

originally designed as commercial buildings.

When a building sign is used in the storefront, it should not be an appendage, but an

integral part of the overall design. Signs on the storefront cornice or painted on

windows should be used. (See Section L: “Signs” for more information)

L. SIGNS

Signs play a significant role in the preservation of the Historic District by being both

noticeable and complimentary to the historic character of a structure.

Note: All signage must be in compliance with existing city sign ordinance as cited in

Article I, Section III of the City of Murray Zoning Ordinance.

Retain and preserve signage that is original or is important in defining the overall historic

character of a building.

New signs must be compatible with the architectural character of the building in size,

scale, materials and style.

Signs (including projecting signs) must be placed in locations that do not obscure historic

architectural features of the building, or obstruct sightlines of the Historic District.

Wall signs must be flush-mounted on flat surfaces in such a way that they do not destroy

or conceal architectural features or details.

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Awnings on commercial structures may incorporate signs on the valance or front face

of the awning. Signs on awnings shall conform to the criteria for all other signs.

Backlighting or internally illuminating awnings is discouraged.

Historic signs or signs painted on masonry walls that identify the original or early use

of a building should be retained and refurbished whenever possible.

Lighted signs inside windows that show through glass windows are discouraged.

VI. NEW CONSTRUCTION: INFILL

The following twelve criteria are all important in considering whether new

construction proposed for the historic areas is compatible.

When new construction is being considered, the architect/builder should understand

the context for new buildings or building additions in a Historic District. “Context”

refers to the overall appearance and the general form of the surrounding structures.

The height, details, setbacks, lot width, window shape and placement, door

placement, general rhythm, and predominant materials should be considered during

the design of an infill building.

Height and Width

The overall height of new construction should relate to that of adjacent structures. As

a general rule, new buildings should be at the same height as the average height of

existing adjacent buildings. New construction that greatly varies in height (too high

or too low) from older buildings in the vicinity should be avoided.

Usually, the width of the new site is predetermined by the original lot size. The width

of a new building should continue to maintain the established rhythm of the block. If

the lot is larger than twenty-five feet, the mass of the façade should be broken into

smaller bays similar in size to the existing buildings.

This

Not This

Not This

Appropriate height and width infill

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Massing

The complexity of the form and shape of new buildings should be compatible with

existing adjacent buildings. New buildings in areas where simpler forms are

common, such as an area where there is a concentration of Federal and Greek Revival

style buildings, should reflect the simplicity of the surrounding buildings. Varied

masses are more appropriate in areas where more complex building styles, such as

Queen Anne, predominate. New buildings should not vary significantly from the

characteristics of the historic area.

Single, monolithic, or box-like facades that are not relieved by variations in massing

should be avoided. Box-like facades and forms are intrusive when placed among

older buildings which have varied and façade articulation.

Directional Expression

The vertical, horizontal, or nondirectional character of new buildings should relate to

the predominate directional expression of nearby buildings. Horizontal buildings can

be made to relate more to the more vertical adjacent structures by breaking the façade

into smaller masses that conform to the primary expression of the streetscape.

Strongly horizontal or vertical façade expressions, unless compatible with the

character of structures in the immediate area, should not be used.

Scale

The size and proportion of new structures should maintain the same scale and rhythm

as the existing buildings.

Buildings that violate the height, width, or massing of the existing scale and rhythm

of the area are discouraged.

Setback

The historic façade lines of streetscapes should be maintained. This can be

accomplished by locating front walls of new buildings in the same plane as the

facades of adjacent buildings. If existing setbacks vary, new buildings should

conform to historic sitting patterns.

Violating the existing setback pattern by placing new buildings in front of or behind

the historic façade line is to be avoided. Avoid placing a building at odd angles to the

street, unless it is to be relocated in an area where diverse sitting already exists.

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Roof Shapes

The roof forms of the new buildings should relate to others found in the Historic

District. Although not entirely necessary, duplication of the existing or traditional

roof shapes, pitches, and materials on new construction is one way of making a new

structure more visually compatible with its surroundings.

The introduction of shapes, pitches, or materials not traditionally used in the area is

discouraged.

Rhythm of Openings

The recurrent alteration of wall areas with door and window elements in the façade

should be maintained. Also consider the width-to-height ration of bays in the façade.

The placement of openings with respect to the façade’s overall composition,

symmetry, or balanced asymmetry should be carefully studied.

Incompatible façade patterns that upset the rhythm of openings established in

surrounding structures should not be introduced. Glass walls, or window and door

shapes that are inappropriate to the adjoining buildings should be avoided.

Materials and Textures

The selection of materials ad textures for a new building should relate to the materials

and textures used in the surrounding area and on existing adjacent buildings. In areas

where certain materials and textures such as brick or fish scale shingles are

consistently used, the continued use of those materials or similar, compatible

materials on new construction is encouraged.

VII. DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION

A building or structure in a historic district should not be moved or relocated outside

of the district if the building or structure is to retain its architectural and historical

integrity.

Relocation negatively affects a district and should be avoided. The only exceptions

should be in situations where it is necessary for the public welfare.

Buildings that are moved to another location in the district should be compatible with

adjacent buildings in style, height, scale, materials, setback, and should be similar in

site and setting.

Demolition may only be approved if one or more of the following conditions are met:

Where public safety and welfare requires the removal of a building or

structure

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Where economic hardship has been demonstrated, proven, and accepted by

the Board of Architectural Review

Where the structural instability or deterioration of a property is demonstrated

through a report by a certified structural engineer or registered architect. Such

a report must detail clearly the property’s physical condition, reasons why

rehabilitation is not feasible, and cost estimates for rehabilitation versus

demolition. In addition to this report, there should be a separate report that

details future action on the site.

Where buildings have lost their original architectural integrity and no longer

contribute to the character of a district, but not through neglect or

abandonment.

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